Former Fremantle Dockers forward Shane Yarran’s teammates reflect a year on from his passing

Staff writersThe West Australian

Thursday, 18 April 2019 5:07PM

Walters' tribute to Shane Yarran

The West Australian

VideoThe Fremantle forward made a point of recognising his former teammate in the Dockers' game against the Western Bulldogs.

Dockers stars Harley Bennell and Michael Walters have joined other former teammates of Shane Yarrn to pay tribute to the former Fremantle forward to commemorate a year since his passing.

Yarran took his own life last April, aged 28. The former Subiaco forward played six games for the Dockers before his AFL career ended in 2016.

The popular spearhead had a big impact on teammates in his short time at Fremantle, with Bennell and Walters joining retired Docker Michael Johnson, Subiaco star Kyal Horsley and former Lions coach Jarrad Schofield in a tribute on the AFL Players Association website today.

Bennell described his tight-knit relationship with Yarran, writing how the pair would spend plenty of time together away from the football club before spurring on one another at training.

“Every time he would come to the football club he would train so hard,” Bennell wrote.

“He was one of Fremantle’s hardest workers and was really switched on.

“Shane was like a brother to me. Being in the system a bit longer than he had I showed him the ropes initially but he taught me a few things along the way as well.

“We were like a brotherhood and were always there for each other.

“I miss him dearly and would still love to have him around.”

Camera IconShane Yarran in action for the Dockers. Credit: AFL Media

Writing ahead of Fremantle’s clash with GWS this weekend, Walters said his relationship with Yarran had blossomed as they became carpool buddies for training after the pair had grown up at the same school and community.

“Every morning he would come in the car with me and we’d stop on our way to training to get a coffee,” Walters wrote.

“Those car trips gave us the opportunity to develop an even stronger bond. We spent quality time together, getting to know each other so well.

“Those moments in the car made all the challenges of a tough pre-season easier on me. Knowing I had someone to talk to and someone that I was able to share things with was special.

“Cruising to and from training each day are the memories that I cherish and hold close to me.”